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Another character which is very realistic is Jim, which the writer of the play, Tennessee Williams, makes metaphorically an element of "the world of reality" as it is said by Tom. As he is not part of the Wingfield's family, he has not been influenced by the problems of this family and therefore is not in need to escape from reality, on the contrary, he embraces it. However, he dreams of a better future which he believes is possible through hard work and dedication, which could be seen as an element to enter the world of illusion. .
He is hoping to achieve success by starting a course on public speaking hoping that it will help him achieve an executive position in an important job. This clearly a sign that he accepts reality as it is: he plays by the rules of the real world and understands that if he wants to progress in life he must face reality with all the tools he can get .
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What are the similarities between Tom and his father?.
During the whole play there is a clear evidence that we are in the presence of an atypical family. This is principally generated by the absence of Mr. Wingfield, Amanda's husband. .
Due to the lack of a responsible male figure in the family, the Winfield family is left without any means to support itself economically and therefore, Tom is forced to work in a job which he hates, a job which drives him, slowly, to act like his own father. .
In the play there is a clear evidence of some similarities between Tom and his father. The most clear similarity is the fact that Tom plans to abandon his family just like his father did. Both are trapped in this "nailed-up coffin", and certainly both get out of it in the end, but it is important to mention that, Tom tries to get of this situation without hurting anybody, without removing any nails, thing which he does not accomplish successfully. He was much more considerate and responsible than his father though. .
The reasons to each ones desire to leave this family is similar, both feel saturated by the situation of having people depend on them to live.
